On the Radio- Characters:
Mike: Scott Fonseka Judy:Kendra Evans
Tommy: Zach Tomaski Texans: Gina Bisha, Sydney Horn (Davis)
Texans: Andrew Chipman, Ellen Choi (Craddock)
Texans: Lydia Patterson, Alexandra Freytes- (White)
On The Radio- Script 2012
(Marvelous Mike and Jivin’ Judy are pretending to host a radio show. They wear headsets, and speak into mics under the
call sign KYDZ)
Marvelous Mike:
Well HELLO Everybody!! It’s Marvelous Mike at the mic! Welcome
to the radio station that plays the hits for kids while you sing along!
Jivin Judy:
Jivin’ Judy here! We’ve got the oldies, the goodies, and all of the
songs that kids have loved throughout the years. It’s music
coming at you, right here on…
Both:
K Y D Z! The Radio Station for YOU and ME!
On the Radio
(All students on risers sing standing… leaving a place for the DJ’s in the center stage… After the song, the students on
risers sit. The Texans enter from stage right …)
Jiv’in Judy:
Mike and I have a wonderful program planned for our loyal listeners- Music
through the decades of the 20th century.
Mike:
That’s right Judy..Since all of the 4th graders in the state of Texas study Texas
history- we thought we could help our friendly fourth graders learn a little bit
of Texas history and trivia while learning about music hits through the century
of radio!
Let’s introduce our guests, Mike!
Jivin’ Judy:
Zach:
Howdy Partners! I’m Tommy Texas, and this is my sister Tammy and some
of my other Texas relatives. We’re joining in the fun to tell your loyal
listeners about a little bit of Texas history including some facts about some
FAMOUS Texans along the way!
Alexandra:
First of all, don’t forget that music has been a part of Texas’ history for
hundreds of years-- well BEFORE the radio was even invented!.
Lydia:
The early Spanish settlers brought their music to Texas, and hundreds of years
later, the pioneers who headed west brought fiddles and guitars and played
LIVE music as they sang around the camp fire, or in covered wagons as they
headed west..in the early 1800’s..
Gina:
GTT- Gone to Texas was the slogan for many of the original old
300- Those folks who came to Texas for CHEAP land thanks to
our father of Texas, Stephen F Austin!
Sydney:
Songs were used as lullabies to calm crying babies, at group
gatherings called play parties, too!
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Sydney:
As a matter of fact, they even used songs to tell each other how to
find fertile land that would be good for planting crops.
Judy:
Our listeners are about to hear a medley of a few TEXAS songs that
some of the early settlers sang.
Of course WE will be using the convenience of electricity to share
some of these songs, even though originally these songs were sung
WITHOUT Electronic accompaniment!
Mike:
Ellen Choi:
Andrew:
Alexandra:
The Yellow Rose of Texas was first published in 1853 by an unknown author.
In that century it was a popular marching tune played by the US Cavalry and
along cattle trails.
And in 1955 almost 100 years later, the tune became a hit record all over the
country!
“Deep in the heart of Texas” is a song that Texas school children begin to
learn as early as kindergarten. You can hear it sung and clapped at rodeos and
public schools all over Texas!
THE TEXAS MEDLEY
Mike:
Hey Texans, we are beginning our century through the radio with the 1920’s.
Would you care to help us out with some things that made Texas famous at
the turn of the 20th century?
Zach:
We’d be pleased as punch to help you out! Texas became TRULY famous for
more than its cowboys when oil was discovered …
Back in 1901 at Spindletop-That was just a few miles east of Houston near
Beaumont!
Alexandra:
CURTAINS OPEN
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Mrs. Davis’ Class:
Grace V:
Christian:
After oil was discovered at Spindletop, Texas began to BOOM!
Wildcatters came to Texas and oil seemed to be spouting out all over east and
west Texas!
Noah
In the 1920’s Texans and Americans were booming- Jazz music was ALL
THE RAGE!
Sally L:
As a matter of fact RAGTIME MUSIC was invented by a FAMOUS African
American musician who was also a Texan- Mr. Scott Joplin!
Daniel R:
He is the composer of that famous ice cream truck song, The Entertainer!
Sam Wu:
It starts like this………….(piano hands)
ALL SING: dad a dad a dad a….
Lilly
Many people had radios in their homes. More people than ever had jobs!
Luke L:
Life WAS GOOD for most Americans.
Emme P:
Over the past decade, the Texas state population had increased to 5,824,715!
That represented a gain of more than one MILLION PEOPLE!
Evan- (Holds up sign that has the number while Emme speaks)
Michael B
“Cotton was King”- And it was the main cash crop for Texas.
Morgan Fu: But with oil and other crops, the Texas economy was somewhat diversified!
Helena S:
The Piney Woods of Texas accounted for a substantial lumber industry, And
Helena S:
In the Lower Rio Grande valley…With the introduction of irrigation, Citrus
farming became VERY Profitable!
Julianne
However…. in 1929, the stock market crashed.
(Clara holds stock market sign)
Christine W: The whole country fell into what was called The Great Depression.
Clara:
Evan:
Sam Lu:
Muna:
Shawn:
Muna:
Homeless people lived in the outskirts ..
of cities all around the U.S.
The panhandle of Texas also became part of the DUST BOWL.
Huge dust storms and drought caused the top soil to blow away, and crops
were ruined.
It sounds like the drought that we are having right now, doesn’t it?
That’s right- Right now in Texas some ranchers are having to sell off their
cattle because of our drought!
Caroline P:
During the Great Depression, folksinger, Woody Guthrie, became an
important spokesman for millions of Texans, Oklahomans, and Arkansans
displaced by the great Dust Bowl.
Ashleigh:
Life-- was NOT GOOD for most Americans!
Lucia:
Blake:
To cheer themselves up, people huddled around the radio and listened to
music.
They heard songs like…. “Life is just a bowl of cherries” (Mills holds sign)
Lucia:
“We’re in the money”—and “Brother can you spare a dime?” (Lilly holds sign)
Harrison:
Ma, things are so bad, I don’t know what we are gonna do!
Grace:
Well, Pa, Let’s just listen to the radio, and forget our troubles…
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“Ain’t We got Fun?” (sign holders-)
(Mrs. Davis’ class exits from the front steps, and Craddock’s class goes back stage to
prepare for scene 2)
CURTAIN CLOSES
Mike:
In the year 1932, Americans elected a New Deal president, Franklin Delano
Roosevelt, and they chose a Texan, John Nance Garner, to be his vicepresident.
Zach:
Alexandra:
Did you know that America’s most decorated soldier of WWII was named
Audie Murphy?
He was a Texan born near Kingston Texas.
Andrew:
He later became a movie star, making 44 films- many of them Westerns!
EllenC:
Sydney:
Gina:
In 1942 the song Jingle Jangle Jingle was a popular tune on the radio.
Two famous Texas singers recorded it:
Gene Autry and Tex Ritter.
Jingle Jangle Jingle
Mike:
Judy:
In 1942 The United States entered World War II on both the Pacific and
Atlantic fronts.
Americans everywhere listened to the radio to hear songs that made
them feel closer to their loved ones who were at war…
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CURTAIN OPENS for Miss Craddock’s class
Gregor:
Spencer:
During this time of war, people listened to songs like “I’ll be seeing you” or
“Don’t sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me”..
There was a lot of letter writing going on across both the Atlantic and Pacific
Oceans as over 750,000 Texans joined the armed forces in World War II!
(Several Girls are on stage left- writing their loved ones who are overseas…Boys dressed as
soldiers are stage right—writing letters at the same time…)
Nikki A:
Jisoo:
Kara:
Niki P:
Olivia:
Jacob W:
Dear Dad, Our family misses you SO MUCH!
Mom has gone to work in the factory to help out…..
The rest of the kids and I are doing all of her chores!
Today they asked us to collect all metal at our home to give to the cause!
We are saving up our butter, sugar and flour rations to make some cakes for
the men who have returned from the war..
Dear_Olivia, I am so pleased to hear you are saving up for supplies here in
Europe. That makes me proud of you.
Luke Lackey: Dear Kara, I’m so glad to hear that you and the rest of the kids are helping
your mother while I’m away in France…fighting the enemy….
Kathryn L:
Dear Joey, I imagine by now that you are living in the trenches of the
battlefield surrounded by the dangers of warfare…
Tucker:
Dear Kathryn, Words cannot express to you how horribly frightening
it is down here in the army…
Gillian:
I can just imagine you crouching down in the mud just INCHES away
from enemy fire!
Chase:
My day starts at the crack of dawn……
Patrick:
We awaken to the sound of the company BUGLER!
Daniella:
I know you are risking your life EVERYDAY!
Aidan:
Of all the jobs in the army… MINE might be the most IMPORTANT of
all!…
Zoe:
I’m sure that you are the most BRAVE,
Ella:
Courageous…IMPORTANT, and dashing of all of the soldiers at the
front…..
Julia:
Dear Dad… I am trying to be brave… But it is SO HARD!
Alexander:
Dear Sally, Today they made me the COMPANY BUGLER BOY!!!!
“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”
(CURTAIN CLOSES)(Craddock’s Class exits stage from the front steps and White’s
prepares back stage)
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Mike:
In the 1950’s Rock and Roll was born!
Judy:
Texas has quite a few famous rock musicians who were born here!
Lydia:
Andrew C:
That’s right! Buddy Holly with his famous “Peggy Sue” and “That’ll be the
Day”
Other rock and roll musicians born in Texas include Roy Orbison, Steve
Miller,
ZZTop, … Don Henley…
and MANY more!!
In 1956 a very famous movie was filmed in Marfa Texas. The name of the
movie is GIANT!
It starred the FAMOUS Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean
Ellen:
In the movie girls SWOONED over the handsome bad boy- James Dean.
Mike:
But in the 1950’s the King of Rock and Roll was ..
Judy:
Elvis Presley!!!
Zach:
Sydney:
Gina:
Alexandra:
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CURTAIN OPENS Miss White’s Class
(Kids are gathered around the radio dressed in 50’s attire)
Jacob M:
Kirim:
Andrew Q:
Ruby:
Anders:
Elvis Presley’s style of music combined, BLUES, GOSPEL, and Countrytogether
to create a unique sound with a very velvety smooth voice.
America’s first King of Rock and Roll- Elvis Presley- first appeared on The
Steve Allen Show in 1956 singing HOUND DOG.
At that time he was dressed in a TUXEDO and actually sang the song to a
real Basset Hound!
Hey guys- Here’s an Elvis quote:“Some people tap their feet, …some people
snap their fingers,…. and some people sway back and forth.
I just sorta do ‘em all together, I guess.”
Michelle Fu: Let’s go back in time…..
Elise:
Oh Peggy Sue, did you hear that Elvis has a new song out today that’s
been playing non- stop on KYDZ Radio?
Abby H:
Oh really, Betty, I can’t WAIT to hear it—and Dance to it!
Abby L:
I think Elvis is the DREAMIEST(She leans back as if to faint with
excitement)
Heartbreak Hotel is MY favorite!
Grant:
Mariell:
I really like BLUE SUEDE SHOES!
Kate: K
Gee! I hope Elvis’ new song is one we can dance to!
Grace:
``Me too! I love to watch Elvis’ dance moves on television.
Sophia G:
Did you see him on the Ed Sullivan Show last night?
Jacob R:
Yes! I’ve been practicing some of my own Elvis dance moves with my
guitar!
(He does some funny knee wiggles and hip shakes, the girls giggle and roll their eyes)
Omer:
Have you guys been practicing your Elvis moves for the school dance?
Nojan:
For sure.. How do you like this?
Jonah:
You better keep practicing,_______! In order to look like Elvis you have to be
able to do this…(He does another Elvis impersonation..)
Gregory:
Or THIS…(Does another ridiculous move) See, I’ve REALLY got those
moves down!
Abby L& Henry:How about this? (Does another move) Thank you, Thank you very much!
HOUND DOG
(White’s class exits from front steps and White’s class goes back stage to prepare)
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( Curtain Closes)
(Sign holder shows 1960)
Alexandra:
Lydia:
Gina:
Sydney:
Andrew C:
Ellen:
Zach:
Alexandra:
Mike:
Judy:
In the 1960’s Houston Texas became famous for Mission Control and the
brand new Manned Spacecraft Center
It was renamed the Lyndon Baines Johnson Space Center to honor this Texas
born president who is now deceased.
In 1969 America landed on the moon!.
As a matter of fact, the 4th man to walk on the moon was a native born TexanMr. Alan Bean- born in Wheeler Texas.
In the 1960’s a Texan named Trini Lopez made 2 songs famous with his
recordings:
The folk song: If I had a hammer had the #1 status in over 30 countries!
Don’t forget La Bamba which he also made famous!
The Gibson guitar company even had him design his VERY OWN electric
guitar!
Well even though Mr. Lopez’ music was famous around the world on the
radio…There was one group of 4 who hailed from England who set the world
on FIRE!
We at KYDZ Radio call it The British Invasion! The BEATLES!!! Let’s go
back in time….to the first time the Beatles were on the Ed Sullivan show….
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(Curtain Opens)
Mrs. Janacek’s Class:
Kaitlyn Blan:
Hi girls! Hey… Did you all watch The Ed Sullivan Show last night?
Ellen R:
YES!! The Beatles were on!! (all 6 girls scream)
EllenR:
I just LOVE the Beatles!
Catelyn:
Me too! I think Paul McCartney- is SO CUTE!
Cassidy:
I KNOW! He is the DREAMIEST!!- (falls back for Kaitlyn Blan o catch her)
Kaitlyn B:
What about Ringo Starr? And John Lennon?!
Susanna:
Don’t’ forget about George Harrison!
(All girls return to places and freeze)
Bridget:
Did you guys know that over ONE BILLION Beatles albums have
been sold all over the world? Isn’t that incredible? (Kelsey holds the sign)
Nicole:
That figure is even BEFORE itunes began releasing their music too!
Daniel Lim:
Hey Parker, Give us a letter of the alphabet, and We’ll tell you a
Beatles hit that starts with that letter…. Ready?
Parker:
Okay… HMMM- “Z”
Kaitlyn K:
Well, actually…There are SO MANY songs by the Beatles, that the
letters “z” “u” “v” and “Q ”Are THE ONLY 4 letters of the alphabet
that don’t begin a Beatle’s song..
Parker:
Okay—“A”
Jonas:
“A” A hard day’s night, “B” Back in the USSR, “C” Come together,
“D” Day tripper, “E” Eight days a week!
Meredith:
“F” From me to you, G- Good morning and Good Night, H- Help! “I”
I feel FINE! “J” Julia- K- “Komm Gib Mir Deine Hand- “L” Let it be,
“M” Michelle..
Kelsey H:
“N” No Reply, “O” Octopus Garden,”P” Penny Lane,”R” Rocky Raccoon,
“S” Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band….(Isabel holds the sign and
helps her sing it)
Ashleigh :
Speaking of Sgt. Pepper, Did you know that in 1967 the album Sergeant
Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club band was a new innovation…
Isabel:
Both for the band and for all of rock music?
Justin C:
JaeDoo:
Cameron:
That’s right! It was the first ever- concept album.
And it helped to launch what we know today as the “Classic Rock” format.
And it also featured several dozen famous people on the album cover!.
Alvin:
It was a high point both for the band and for
all of rock music!
Cassidy, Susanna:
We don’t care about all of that, (look at each other..) We just like the
song!!! (all girls scream… Then the Beatles walk on Stage, and they scream
even louder):
Daniel S:
Hello Everybody, We’re the boys from Liverpool. I’m John Lennon. Peace.
Sam:
Hello, I’m Paul McCartney.
Hayes:
I am George Harrison
Jack Mumey: And I’m Ringo.. The drummer. Let’s hit it boys…
“Sergeant Pepper…” ( Mrs. Janacek’s class exits from the front steps; ) (Close Curtain)
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(After Sgt Pepper)
Zach:
There are many Texans who have had huge influences on the music scenes
across the nation:
Andrew:
Country and Western, Rock and Roll, and Rockabilly to name a few:
Alexandra:
That’s right, and don’t forget a type of music which originated right here:
influenced by our Spanish heritage: Tejano music!-
Lydia:
One of the most beloved Tejano singers was a woman named Selena
Quintanilla was born in 1971 in Lake Jackson Texas.
Sydney:
Selena holds the record of drawing the biggest concert crowd in the history of
the Houston Astrodome!
Gina:
That was for her February 1995 performance at the Houston Livestock Show
and Rodeo.
Ellen:
Selena became famous singing in her second language, Spanish. We will now
perform one of her most famous pieces, Como la Flor.
Como la Flor
(Mrs. Rabel’s class goes back stage)
Mike:
We here at KYDZ are winding down our special program of music through
the 20th century.. So Judy, What decade is this: Pacman, the album Thriller,
The Cabbage Patch Doll, and The Cosby Show…
Judy:
Oh that’s easy, Mike! It’s the 1980’s!
Zach:
Want to know some other famous Texas born 1980’s performers?
Alexandra:
Well, in country music some popular singers were: Willie and Waylon,
Mickey Gilley, and George Strait
Lydia:
Actually- the music from all of those guys is STILL well known by many in
2012!
Judy:
Well Mike we are about to hear a song that originated in the 1980’s AND has
come back on the big movie screen in 2011! Can you guess what it is?
Mike:
Judy- I’m not sure… give me some hints…
Judy:
Well… just listen ..
10
(Curtains open for Mrs. Rabel’s class)
In the 1980’s Compact discs were introduced to the music scene. And in just
10 years cd’s outnumbered vinyl record sales!
Benjamin B: Some –of us have never even seen a vinyl recordDavid H:
But our parents probably have!
AnnaS:
In 1985, Farmers had a real hard time in America- kind of like the Great
Depression.
Emily N:
Texas country legend Willie Nelson, launches the first of many
benefit concerts.
Elizabaeth D: They called these outdoor concerts Farm Aid and they helped raise
money for the poor farmers.
Maarten:
In 1980.. the hit movie ..The Urban Cowboy was filmed right here in
Houston Texas!
Sophia D:
John Travolta really made that movie famous!
Jacqueline D Yeah, and he also showed everybody how he could dance in the
1970’smovie- Saturday Night Fever.
Jackson D:
We’re supposed to be talking about the 1980’s!
Reece W:
Well, disco music was popular in the late 1970’s and 1980’s!
Kamilah:
Speaking of DANCING and the 1980’s…
Ava L :
What 1984 hit movie was about a kid who moves to a small town where
music and dancing are banned?
Nicholas N: The movie’s theme song was nominated for an Oscar.
Hannah:
It was also nominated for a 1985 Grammy for best musical score.
Ashleigh S: Kevin Bacon was the main character, and Sarah Jessica Parker was nominated
for a Young Artist Award.
Lily Short:
The show became a BROADWAY musical over 10 years later…
Sarah S:
AND… The movie was re- made and came out in theatres during this school
year in 2011!
Shilo:
The next song will represent 2 decades in ONE!
Romeo:
The 1980’s AND the year 2011!
Isabel An:
Reesie S:
The actors are different, but the dancing in it is GREAT!! It also has the
SAME theme song as the original movie!
Mathew S:
So if you haven’t g u e ss ed the movie y-e-t—
Michael W:
Stop hinting around everybody—
Carolyn P::
It’s time….. to Dance!—KYDZ-- get …
Everybody in the class:
FOOTLOOSE!(Howe’s Class exits from the front steps back to
their places on risers)
Mike:
Yes, Boys and Girls, you heard it first right hear on KYDZ Radio…
Judy:
Since the invention of the radio, this is where America hears the songs that
become the soundtracks of their lives..
On the RADIO- reprise…BOWS
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